Retention of Native American nurses working in their communities

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Qualitative Research
• Indigenous Health

Background:

• Native American nurses play a critical role in healthcare delivery within tribal communities.
• Retention of these nurses is essential for providing culturally competent care and addressing health disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and describe the lived experiences of Native American nurses working in their tribal communities.
• To identify factors influencing the retention of Native American nurses.

Main Methods:

• An interpretive phenomenological study design was employed.
• In-depth interviews were conducted with nine Native American nurses.
• Data analysis involved iterative processes with Native American consultants and researchers.

Main Results:

• Native American nurses reported experiencing significant stress and illness.
• Key themes identified include 'paying the price to fulfill my mission,' 'being and connecting holistically,' and 'transcending the system.'

Conclusions:

• The findings highlight the personal costs incurred by Native American nurses dedicated to their communities.
• Recommendations are provided for nurse educators and healthcare systems to improve retention.
• Further research is needed to develop community-based interventions to enhance the retention of Native American nurses.